Reese's main role as senior football adviser was to serve as the Patriots' negotiating representative in contract talks with player representatives. He served as a table setter so to speak and didn't have the power to finalize deals.

Reese represented the Patriots' interests in talks and could open the door for a possible return of former Patriots front office personnel guy Scott Pioli.

The recently released Pioli could come back to serve as a replacement for Reese. However, it is highly unlikely he would assume his former role as vice president of player personnel.

Nick Caserio filled that role when Pioli left for Kansas City and the Patriots are happy with his growth. The team wouldn’t want to risk losing a young talent with a bright future, but as Bill Belichick has shown lately in offensive coaches Josh McDaniels and Brian Daboll, he is willing to bring back his former employees.